But never a Dutch admiral's grave is in doubt.) For all his roystering and recklessness, for all his drinking and excess, Jan Steen's work is essentially delicate.

He painted the sublimated essence of comedy.

Teniers, Ostade, Brouwer are coarse and boorish beside him; Metsu and Mieris genteel.

Even when he is painting low life Jan Steen is distinguished, a gentleman.

And now and then he touches the springs of tears, so exquisite in his sympathetic understanding.